American Dagger Moth caterpillar

Description:

A yellow caterpillar with thin, black setae on the first and third abdominal segments, and one tuft on the eighth abdominal segment. Older instars grow to be lighter in color. They are stinging caterpillars and may may leave a red rash or welt on skin (I am glad I decided to handle it with a stick instead of my hands!)

Habitat:

Feeds on leaves of alder, ash, birch, elm, hickory, maple, oak, poplar, walnut, willow and other deciduous trees.

Notes:

Found in the Boundary Waters at Sawbill Lake